Not so long ago, my prayer time consisted of presenting a long list of requests to God. Although they were heartfelt and genuine, I gradually became aware that I was doing all the talking, describing the problem to God (which He clearly knew anyway!), and telling God what I thought ought to be done about it. I didn’t give God much opportunity to guide my thoughts while I was praying.

But gradually, I’ve begun to explore different types of intercessory prayer (ways to pray for others). Rather than bombarding God with my ideas and requests, I’m learning to listen as I pray. I spend a few minutes silently considering each situation and wait to get a feeling about what to pray. Sometimes I don’t verbalize a specific prayer – I simply whisper the person’s name a few times. Here are a few suggestions to inspire you toward more creative intercessory prayer.

1. Making my prayer journal creative

My prayer journal has become much more than a notebook filled with names. I use a large scrapbook, and each page is different. For example, Gambia (where I live for several months each year), has recently gone through a period of turbulence, so my Gambia prayer page includes a map and some of my favorite photos. My journal also has a photo montage of my family. On several pages, I’ve written someone’s name and embellished it with felt pens and watercolors as I pray for them. On others, I’ve recorded scripture verses I feel prompted to share with them.

2. Creating a prayer tree

Last summer I created a prayer tree by arranging some twigs in a large vase. I cut leaves from cardstock, added a hanging loop, and then wrote the name of each person I prayed for on a leaf.

As the summer progressed, the twigs became increasingly festooned with leaves. Each time I entered the room, the tree was a gentle reminder to pray.This method was also a great encouragement because I could look at older leaves and thank God for answered prayers.

3. Praying with crafts

Make use of your crafting ability to pray for others by crocheting blankets for the homeless, making twiddle muffs or fidget quilts for patients with dementia, or knitting small hats for babies born in prison.

As a keen crafter, I felt moved to knit some tiny burial gowns to help families whose babies were stillborn. As I knitted each gown, I prayed for the parents who would receive it, that God would soothe their suffering.

This holds good for your friends and family too – while I sewed fleecy tops as Christmas gifts for my grandchildren, I prayed for them. While I believe that the very act of such crafting can be a practical prayer, there’s also the opportunity to pray as you work, or perhaps listen to a recorded meditation, such as a Rosary CD.

4. Using a printable calendar

Printable calendars are great for creative prayer. We can insert prayer requests in advance, adding important dates like a friend’s birthday or upcoming surgery. We can use it like an Advent calendar, by noting important prayers for each day beforehand, then covering it with another paper layer containing doors. Open one door each day to reveal the prayer topic.

Printable calendars can also be used progressively. Spend a few moments in quiet contemplation then fill in each daily square as you feel directed by God, like this Lenten calendar. Praying in Color has free printable calendars as well as many other creative prayer resources to inspire you.

5. Going on a prayer walk

A prayer walk can be done on your own or with friends. It could be as simple as taking a walk along your street and praying briefly for each house as you pass. Taking your walk further afield gives you the opportunity to pray for your wider community, including those who work at places such as the hospital, local government offices, emergency services, or neighborhood stores. Include churches, schools, community centers, and those helping others like homeless shelters or a food pantry. Even the smallest community has a host of needs.

Praying for others doesn’t have to be a rote practice. Once we begin using more creative ways to pray, we can find dozens of sources of inspiration. When we learn to listen more carefully to God’s gentle prompting throughout the day, we really can “pray without ceasing.”

(Originally published March 8, 2017)